Hygge, the Danish art of happiness

The west wind blows over Denmark, but its inhabitants warm up to a fireplace and the comfort of a family. Let's zoom in on the hygge Danish art.

The term is virtually impossible to translate. It draws its essence from the sweetness of life, as well as simple and genuine pleasures Danish people love to share. Have you ever taken the time to watch snow falling over gardens and terraces from a cosy living room where wood crackles in a fireplace? Have you ever started to read a book, curled up in snug bed? Or spent some time baking an apple pie with your closest friend? Hygge is an exquisite vision of life, a precious gem that restaurant, hotel and even shop owners now cultivate, with a delicate and grateful feeling.

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Flowery digression at the botanical garden

Since 1870, the botanical garden spreads its greenhouses and verdant prairies only a few steps away from Copenhagen's historic centre. With a large section dedicated to research and teaching, it houses the largest plants collection of all Denmark. Between marked paths and tree-filled parks, you'll casually roam the shady garden alleys that count more than 900 species of local plants, thousands of perennial ones and triumphant fir trees. The scent of rhododendrons mingles with the spicy smell of a nearby café. An invitation to live one season at the time, the Danish way.

If you feel like bringing the art of hygge into your home, make a stop in one of Copenhagen's nicest front windows. In the heart of the city, the Stilleben shop displays accessories and jewellery from worldwide designers. At the corner of a shopping street and in the shade of solid beech trees, you'll gladly rummage through clear paintings and black light fixtures, pastel tea cups and terracotta candlesticks... Enjoy the warm atmosphere and the soft couches that can be found on every floor of the shop. Once again, there is no time but the present time…

Amid the green Tivoli gardens, the Nimb Hotel unveils a gorgeous façade of Moorish influence during the day and lights up brightly at night. The hotel opened more than one hundred years ago and retains its original charm. Dive in a marble palace of Nordic inspiration with pine tree floorboards and velvet seats. Winner Hotel of the Year 2015 among 520 establishments by Small Luxury Hotels, the Nimb Hotel displays many assets to win you over. You may just be tempted by a long scented bath, with only candles to softly light up your night.

From the large arched windows to the waxed grey flooring, wood lathes, suspended light bulbs and white brick walls, the Höst restaurant offers a setting that echoes the Søerne lakes that border it. Delicate traces of the Nordic countryside are being invited in the architecture itself.
Food's ready! On the menu, baked hake with mustard and horseradish, beef sirloin with celeriac and cep mushrooms or veal tartare, tomato and tarragon. Flavoured produce from the country expertly blend with aromatics and spices, vegetables and subtle dressing.

This is the story of four Danish people, uniting their passion for coffee at the Coffee Collective. Daylight breaks in through large window panels and lights immaculate looking walls. Wooden tables and stools elegantly share space in this small and stripped down shop, lit with long industrial suspension bulbs. Take a breath, time is not running out. From the growing and roasting stages, virtues of coffee are being explored by curious baristas, buying directly from producers. A Karen Blixen or Jørn Riel book under your arm, you'll give in to the woody, fruity or caramelised aromas of a steaming cup.